Parent Bulletin 13
16 October 2025
Principal's Message
Term Four is a busy and exciting time across the school, filled with events, activities, and meaningful learning opportunities for all students. It is also a particularly significant term for our Year 12 students as they complete their final term of secondary schooling.
Year 12 Class of 2025
We congratulate the Class of 2025 on completing their last week of classes — a wonderful milestone that reflects their perseverance, commitment, and growth throughout the year. Our sincere thanks also go to Year 12 parents and carers for their continued support and partnership during what has been a year of dedication and hard work for students, families, and staff alike. The examination period commenced on Tuesday 14 October for Languages and Performing Arts subjects, with remaining exams beginning on Tuesday 28 October. The Year 12 Graduation Dinner on Wednesday 22 October will provide a special opportunity to come together and celebrate the achievements of our graduating class. The coming weeks will be both important and rewarding as students complete their final assessments and reflect on their time at Strathmore. We wish all our Year 12 students every success in their exams and the very best for the exciting journey ahead. They should all be incredibly proud of their achievements.
The Mahoney Awards – VCE Film Night
The annual VCE Film Night, The Mahoney Awards, was held on Thursday 9 October at VSSEC and was once again a sell-out event. This red-carpet celebration showcased the outstanding creativity and talent of our Year 12 Media students, with ten original short films screened in full, along with a tribute featuring highlights from all student projects. Awards were presented across several categories and presented by the legendary Brett Mahoney. Congratulations to all Year 12 Media students for producing such high-quality films, and to Media teachers Lachlan Brown and Alice Walker for their dedication and support throughout the year. Special thanks to the judges, and to the Performing Arts and VSSEC teams for their assistance. The evening was a wonderful celebration of student creativity, collaboration, and achievement — a fitting finale to an exceptional year of Media studies.
Year 9 Morrisby Program
This term, our Year 9 students took part in the final stage of the My Career Insights – Morrisby Online program, an initiative designed to help students explore their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. Throughout the program, students completed an online assessment that identified their individual skills, preferences, and areas of interest. This information helps guide students in understanding how their unique strengths align with possible future study and career options. The final stage involved a 30-minute one-on-one appointment with an external careers consultant, where each student had the opportunity to discuss their Morrisby results in detail and receive personalised advice about potential career directions and subject choices for senior school. Thank you to the Careers Team for coordinating and supporting the program, and for their ongoing work in helping students make informed choices about their future pathways.
Year 10 Formal
The Year 10 Formal was held on Tuesday 14 October at The Hyatt, Essendon Fields, and was a wonderful evening of celebration for our students. The event provided an opportunity for students to come together, strengthen friendships, and enjoy a well-earned break from their studies in a positive and supportive environment. A huge thank you to all staff involved for their outstanding organisation, support, and contribution to making the event such a memorable and successful evening for our students.
Respectful Relationships - Student Team Presentation
At a recent staff meeting, the Student Respectful Relationships Team, supported by Maia Martucci, led a presentation on student apathy and feedback. The session included an overview of student survey results and a workshop where teachers explored strategies to enhance feedback and strengthen student engagement. We extend our sincere thanks to the student team for their thoughtful research, preparation, and confident facilitation of the session. The workshop provided valuable insights that will guide our continued efforts to foster respectful relationships and create positive, engaging learning environments where all students feel supported and connected.
Singing Night
We were delighted to celebrate the achievements of our vocal students from Years 7 to 12 at this year’s Singing Night on Monday 13 October. The evening showcased their hard work, passion, and growth throughout the year. We extend our thanks to the Performing Arts team and our instrumental music staff for their ongoing support and dedication. Congratulations to all students involved—this special event was a wonderful culmination of their commitment and talent.
English Short Stories – ‘Growing Up’
We are pleased to announce the publication of Growing Up, a collection of fourteen original short stories written by our Year 10 English students and selected by their teachers. The anthology explores themes including identity, belonging, generational differences, and prejudice, offering heartfelt and thought-provoking insights from our young writers. A printed copy of the collection is now available in the school library, and we hope students, families and staff enjoy reading these engaging and memorable stories. Congratulations to our wonderful students who contributed, and thank you to our dedicated Year 10 English teachers for guiding and inspiring them throughout the creative process.
Regional Athletics
This term, more than forty students from Years 7 to 12 qualified for the Regional Athletics event at Moonee Valley Athletics Track, following their outstanding performances at Division Athletics. We congratulate all students on this wonderful achievement. Thank you to our Physical Education, Health, and Sport staff for their organisation, support, and ongoing dedication. Our students’ hard work, passion, and effort were on full display, making the event a wonderful success.
Upcoming Event – Working Bee
We will be holding a Working Bee on Sunday 9 November from 9am to 11am, providing a valuable opportunity for our school community to come together, connect, and contribute to the improvement of our grounds and facilities. We warmly encourage families to get involved and lend their support. Further details will be shared via the Compass newsfeed in the coming week.
Sue Prosenica
College Principal
35 Years Service
Three Strathmore Secondary College staff were recognised for their 35 years of service to teaching.
Congratulations to Cathy Di Battista, Ritsa Niklas and Heather Campbell.
Congratulations to Cathy Di Battista, Ritsa Niklas and Heather Campbell.
Art Making & Exhibiting NGV Excursion
Year 11 & 12 Art Making & Exhibiting students recently spent a day immersed in creativity at the National Gallery of Victoria’s French Impressionism Exhibition - an inspiring journey through one of the most influential movements in art history.
Students had the opportunity to experience masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir and their contemporaries up close, observing how light, colour and movement transformed painting forever. Seeing these works in person gave students a richer appreciation of visual language, composition, and aesthetic qualities.
In addition to exploring the artworks themselves, students also considered the exhibition from a curatorial perspective; analysing how artworks were grouped, displayed and contextualised to communicate key themes and narratives to the audience.
Excursions like this remind us how lucky we are at SSC to live in a city with such rich cultural opportunities. A big thank you to all staff who attended, and to the students for their enthusiasm, thoughtful reflections and creative discussions. It was a day filled with inspiration, curiosity and creative energy.
Nicholas Mastrippolito
Students had the opportunity to experience masterpieces by Monet, Degas, Renoir and their contemporaries up close, observing how light, colour and movement transformed painting forever. Seeing these works in person gave students a richer appreciation of visual language, composition, and aesthetic qualities.
In addition to exploring the artworks themselves, students also considered the exhibition from a curatorial perspective; analysing how artworks were grouped, displayed and contextualised to communicate key themes and narratives to the audience.
Excursions like this remind us how lucky we are at SSC to live in a city with such rich cultural opportunities. A big thank you to all staff who attended, and to the students for their enthusiasm, thoughtful reflections and creative discussions. It was a day filled with inspiration, curiosity and creative energy.
Nicholas Mastrippolito
Food Studies
Our year 11 Food studies students were asked to create a healthy canteen product.
After surveying student preferences and looking at factors such as cost and packaging they created a range of dishes including burrito bowls, rice paper rolls, Singapore noodles, and a homemade Banh mi. The finished dishes looked fantastic, and we hope this encourages all our students to keep practicing their culinary skills at home!
After surveying student preferences and looking at factors such as cost and packaging they created a range of dishes including burrito bowls, rice paper rolls, Singapore noodles, and a homemade Banh mi. The finished dishes looked fantastic, and we hope this encourages all our students to keep practicing their culinary skills at home!
Art Exhibition 2025 - 'Unfolding'
From September 10th-14th, Strathmore Secondary College proudly hosted our 27th Senior Art Exhibition, Unfolding, at Neon Parlour Gallery in Thornbury.
Showcasing works from over 35 senior students, the exhibition celebrated the imagination, skill, and individuality of our young artists. From painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media works, the variety on display reflected the incredible breadth of creative learning at SSC.
The Celebration Evening brought together families, staff, and the wider community to celebrate the students’ achievements. As one student shared, “It’s really rewarding to see all our hard work up on the walls for everyone to see.”
Events like this remind us how lucky we are at SSC to have such talented students, dedicated teachers, and a community that values the Arts.
Congratulations to everyone involved in Unfolding - your creativity continues to make SSC shine!
Nicholas Mastrippolito
Showcasing works from over 35 senior students, the exhibition celebrated the imagination, skill, and individuality of our young artists. From painting and sculpture to photography and mixed media works, the variety on display reflected the incredible breadth of creative learning at SSC.
The Celebration Evening brought together families, staff, and the wider community to celebrate the students’ achievements. As one student shared, “It’s really rewarding to see all our hard work up on the walls for everyone to see.”
Events like this remind us how lucky we are at SSC to have such talented students, dedicated teachers, and a community that values the Arts.
Congratulations to everyone involved in Unfolding - your creativity continues to make SSC shine!
Nicholas Mastrippolito
Lots to Celebrate - VCE Art & VCD
A huge congratulations to our VCE Art Creative Practice, Art Making & Exhibiting and Visual Communication Design students (and their dedicated teachers) on the completion of their folios and final works. This milestone represents months of creativity, experimentation, and refinement.
The passion and resilience shown by our students is truly inspiring, with each folio and final work reflecting unique ideas, technical skill, and thoughtful conceptual development.
I am incredibly proud of all their achievements and always appreciative to the Visual Arts team for their ongoing guidance, encouragement, and commitment to excellence.
There will be an opportunity to see and celebrate their work at this year’s Creative Arts Day: FUTUTRE DUSK.
Nicholas Mastrippolito
The passion and resilience shown by our students is truly inspiring, with each folio and final work reflecting unique ideas, technical skill, and thoughtful conceptual development.
I am incredibly proud of all their achievements and always appreciative to the Visual Arts team for their ongoing guidance, encouragement, and commitment to excellence.
There will be an opportunity to see and celebrate their work at this year’s Creative Arts Day: FUTUTRE DUSK.
Nicholas Mastrippolito
Growing Up
The English faculty proudly presents the third edition of 'Growing Up', a collection of Year 10 English short stories. The collection features fourteen moving short stories written by students and selected by teachers. The stories explore the themes of identity, belonging, generational differences, and prejudice. A printed copy of the anthology is available in the school library, and a digital copy is attached. We hope you enjoy this collection of heartfelt and engaging stories. Additionally, the English faculty has awarded two Year 10 students for their participation in the creative response:
• Excellence Award: Elliot Smith (Stirling) • Perseverance Award: Paige Hutchinson (Argyll)
These two students will receive a Readings bookstore voucher at their end-of-year graduation.
Well done to both our winners and all those who contributed to the anthology. Click to download the short stories - 2025 'Growing Up' Creative Story Compilation
• Excellence Award: Elliot Smith (Stirling) • Perseverance Award: Paige Hutchinson (Argyll)
These two students will receive a Readings bookstore voucher at their end-of-year graduation.
Well done to both our winners and all those who contributed to the anthology. Click to download the short stories - 2025 'Growing Up' Creative Story Compilation
Maths Olympics
During September, our school hosted the annual Maths Olympics Competition. The event featured two divisions—Years 7 – 9 and Years 10 – 12, where students worked in teams to tackle a variety of challenging problem-solving questions under time pressure. Each correct answer earned a point, making for a fast-paced and competitive atmosphere.
It was fantastic to see so many students involved, showing great perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and integrity. The room was filled with a lively and competitive spirit as teams worked fiercely to the very last minute. All competing teams managed to answer an impressive number of questions on the day.
Congratulations to our winners:
• Senior Division (Years 10–12): Team “Based Winners” — William Luck, Shotaro Bokor and Tam Dinh.• Junior Division (Years 7–9): Team “CatDogRatFish” — Lucas Thompson, Pranesh Jeyaprakash, Liam Jones and James Webster.
A big congratulations to every student who participated, and a special thank you to our dedicated Maths teachers who helped plan, organise, and run this exciting event.
Maths Faculty
It was fantastic to see so many students involved, showing great perseverance, resilience, teamwork, and integrity. The room was filled with a lively and competitive spirit as teams worked fiercely to the very last minute. All competing teams managed to answer an impressive number of questions on the day.
Congratulations to our winners:
• Senior Division (Years 10–12): Team “Based Winners” — William Luck, Shotaro Bokor and Tam Dinh.• Junior Division (Years 7–9): Team “CatDogRatFish” — Lucas Thompson, Pranesh Jeyaprakash, Liam Jones and James Webster.
A big congratulations to every student who participated, and a special thank you to our dedicated Maths teachers who helped plan, organise, and run this exciting event.
Maths Faculty
Wellbeing News
Thank you to everyone who supported R U OK? Day. Staff and students all got involved and really enjoyed the day. The wrist bands, lollies and lucky dip were a huge hit and we raised some money that we have donated to Kids Helpline! A special thank you to Headspace for joining us this year.
Let’s not forget that life is every day so use every available opportunity to check in with your friends, family, colleagues and ask R U OK? ANY day!
Let’s not forget that life is every day so use every available opportunity to check in with your friends, family, colleagues and ask R U OK? ANY day!
Headspace Glenroy2A, Hartington Street, Glenroy, Victoria 30461300 880 218https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/glenroy/
Anonymous and confidential, ReachOut is a safe place where young people can openly express themselves, get a deeper understanding and perspective on what’s happening in their lives, connect with people who will provide judgement-free support, and build the resilience to manage their challenges now and in the future.
Designed with, and specifically for young people, ReachOut is 100% online, anonymous and confidential, and lets young people connect on their terms. From one-to-one peer support to tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to.
https://parents.au.reachout.com
https://au.reachout.com/mental-wellbeing/coping/not-sure-whats-wrong-try-nextstep
Designed with, and specifically for young people, ReachOut is 100% online, anonymous and confidential, and lets young people connect on their terms. From one-to-one peer support to tips, stories and resources, ReachOut offers a wide range of support options that allow young people to engage in the ways they want to, when they want to.
https://parents.au.reachout.com
https://au.reachout.com/mental-wellbeing/coping/not-sure-whats-wrong-try-nextstep
Girl Power in Engineering and IT
Congratulations to Abi for successfully completing the university of Melbourne's "Girl Power in Engineering and IT" program.
This program is for female high school students contributing towards gender parity in engineering and IT disciplines, for girls with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The application process is in Year 9, and once elected students get opportunities including camp, work experience, and mentorship throughout their high school years. Strathmore has had many girls go through the program including Elizabeth (class of '23), Vendanshi (Year 10) and Alex (Year 10).
This program is for female high school students contributing towards gender parity in engineering and IT disciplines, for girls with an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The application process is in Year 9, and once elected students get opportunities including camp, work experience, and mentorship throughout their high school years. Strathmore has had many girls go through the program including Elizabeth (class of '23), Vendanshi (Year 10) and Alex (Year 10).
Liceo Galvani Exchange Program
On September 7, twenty-two students from Liceo Galvani in Bologna arrived in Melbourne for a two-week stay.
During their visit, the students took part in VSSEC programs and a range of excursions, including day trips to Healesville and the Great Ocean Road. This visit forms part of a long-standing and valued sister school relationship between Liceo Galvani and Strathmore Secondary College.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Strathmore Secondary College families who generously hosted a student from Liceo Galvani during the recent exchange program.
This program relies on the invaluable support of our families, and it could not run successfully without their generosity and commitment. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the parents who opened their homes, welcomed the Bologna students and made their time here so enriching and rewarding.
From all the photos shared on the WhatsApp group, it was clear that the visiting students participated in a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city of Melbourne and its surrounds, to experiencing school and family life in Australia. We are certain they have returned to Italy with many wonderful memories of their time in Melbourne and the friendships formed here.
Thank you once again for your support in making this exchange such a success.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the Strathmore Secondary College families who generously hosted a student from Liceo Galvani during the recent exchange program.
This program relies on the invaluable support of our families, and it could not run successfully without their generosity and commitment. We would like to acknowledge and thank all the parents who opened their homes, welcomed the Bologna students and made their time here so enriching and rewarding.
From all the photos shared on the WhatsApp group, it was clear that the visiting students participated in a wide variety of activities, from exploring the city of Melbourne and its surrounds, to experiencing school and family life in Australia. We are certain they have returned to Italy with many wonderful memories of their time in Melbourne and the friendships formed here.
Thank you once again for your support in making this exchange such a success.
Student Attendance
Dear Parents and Guardians
If your child has unexplained absences, please ensure you explain these by adding an Attendance note. You can select multiple absences at once and add a note to explain the absence, which makes the process quick and easy.
Please contact the Junior School Attendance Officer if you require assistance.
https://strathmore-vic.compass.education/
https://ict.strathmore.vic.edu.au/compass-absence-help.html
LouiseJunior School Attendance Officer
If your child has unexplained absences, please ensure you explain these by adding an Attendance note. You can select multiple absences at once and add a note to explain the absence, which makes the process quick and easy.
Please contact the Junior School Attendance Officer if you require assistance.
https://strathmore-vic.compass.education/
https://ict.strathmore.vic.edu.au/compass-absence-help.html
LouiseJunior School Attendance Officer